Shot Selections From the Back Line
When pushed to the back line, shot options are 1) to hit the ball hard at the people already at the net, which isn’t the best choice because they can just hit a soft drop shot, 2) try to hit a soft shot that just drops over the net, or 3) try to lob the ball over the heads of the people at the net, who are often tall enough and athletic enough to be able to step back and make a hard return. What should be done?
When pushed back to the baseline in pickleball, your primary goal should be to reset the point and work your way back to a neutral position. Here are the recommended strategies:
Defensive Reset
The best option when pushed back is to hit a reset shot – a soft, high-arcing ball placed shallow in the kitchen. This defensive shot helps slow down your opponents and puts you back on neutral ground.
Shot Selection Based on Ball Position
For Deep Balls:
- Drive the ball primarily at the player who just hit the return shot, as they’ll be moving forward and less stable than their partner at the kitchen line.
For Short Balls:
- Execute a drop shot when the ball is short in the court1.
- Focus on getting low with soft hands but firm wrists.
Proper Technique for Reset Shots
- Use slightly open paddle face
- Keep very soft hands with firm wrists
- Get low to the ground
- Focus intently on the ball
- Release tension by breathing out before hitting
Strategic Considerations
Remember that third shots from the baseline are inherently difficult, which is why opponents try to keep you back there. Your primary objective should be to buy yourself time to return to a more advantageous position rather than attempting aggressive shots from a defensive position.
The key is not to panic and hit the ball hard when you’re off balance or pushed back from the kitchen line, as this typically leads to losing the rally. Instead, focus on placement and control to work your way back into the point.
